Diabetes mellitus Type-II (DM-II) and disease conviction: An exploration of the possible causes

Mohd. Akram, Prem Kapoor

Abstract

Introduction:Disease conviction is one of the elements of illness behaviour which assesses a tendency to be convinced that a somatic pathology is present and along with it, a resistance to reassurance. According to the concept of temperament, it is established that the personality and activities of a person are determined by his inherent temperament in both healthy and diseased conditions. It is speculated that disease conviction in diabetes may also be affected by the patients temperament.

Material and Methods:The present study is a cross sectional, descriptive, hospital based study to assess Disease Conviction in 100 DM-II patients. Disease Conviction was assessed with the help of Illness Behaviour Questionnaire. Temperament was assessed with Temperament Assessment Format. Known DM-II patients aged between 30-60 years were included in the study. Those having co-morbidity or severe acute complications of diabetes were excluded.

Results:81.81% of the patients having a raised blood-sugar were found to be suffering from disease conviction. 75.2% of the patients taking injectable hypoglycemic drugs had the same perception. 63.52% havingbalghamitemperament, and 73.33% patients havingSaudavitemperament had a conviction that their illness was severe.

Conclusion:A significant percentage of Diabetic patients were found to be suffering from disease conviction. Severity of disease, route of administration of medication andMizaj(temperament), all play a considerable role in determining the behaviour.